08/16/12 Plymouth Police Chief Jim Cox told the Board of Public Works and Safety that K-9 Rex served his last final day as an officer for the City of Plymouth on August 13th.
Eight and a half year old, K-9 Rex has been with the department for five years partnering with Officer John Weir. He has been very active including 1,100 traffic stops, 443 arrests and 10 apprehensions by either tracking or chasing down the suspect. Rex and Officer Weir have been involved in many demonstrations around the city and county and has assisted Plymouth High School and other area schools in periodic routine drug searches of lockers and vehicles in the parking lots.
Rex’s retirement comes at this point due to medical issues. His rear hips are giving him issues from jumping in and out of the vehicle and he is experiencing troubles with his eye-site. Currently Rex is being screened for cancer. His handler, John Weir has found numerous lumps on him and they are being checked for the possibility of cancer. If it is determined that Rex has cancer he will be put down but if not he will be adopted. Officer Weir has stated that keeping Rex and the new K-9 would be too hard on Rex because he would expect to be going to work and would disappointed when the new dog left their home and not him.
Chief Cox said told Board of Public Works and Safety members that Rex was purchased at a cost of $10,000 through donations. A new K-9 unit will be purchased for the city later this month with donations from several private companies contributing. The City’s new dog will be picked up on the 27th and the 12 week training will begin after Labor Day.
